I'd go a tunnel. Yes a long term plan, but something that I think they should plan for. It would bring us in line with a few other developed country's that have extensive nation wide motorway / expressway networks.

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The Japanses link had 4 million ferry passengers per year 50 years ago ! Cook strait has approx 1 million per year NOW

A tunnel would have to part of a wider investment in a high speed rail network and with Bill E boy the latest in a long line of politicians favouring roads, I wouldn't bet on any tunnel rides for a while.

I'd be happy if they just moved the ferry terminals to the shortest stretch of water.